Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni stressed on Monday the importance of maintaining cooperation between their countries in the face of terrorism, despite an attack that struck the European country’s consulate in Cairo this weekend.
Shoukry reaffirmed his government’s work to secure diplomatic missions in Cairo and tied in the Saturday bombing to recent international attacks in Tunisia, Kuwai and in Europe, state news agency MENA reported. The Egyptian foreign minister and thanked the Italian government, including Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, for their statements of support.
The Italian politician has visited the consulate building and will also meet with his country’s diplomatic staff and Egyptian officials during the visit to Egypt. Shoukry said the restoration of the consulate building will be undertaken as a symbolic affirmation of the relations between the two countries.